2009 DSA(Direct School Admission)

[cchew]

There is a discussion on DSA here:

http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=157

[turquoise]

TJas:

Hi


My gg in Pr 5 GEP. Her t. score below 80%. Should I proceed with DSA (I were thinking of NYHS and NJC). Is it a waste of time since her result is not outstanding. BTW, how to prepare the DSA portforlia. Any advise will help. Need parents with same problems to share their views. Thanks

What is your dd's score? Is it borderline just below 80% or low 70s?

Your dd should try for DSA. First of all, she's in P5 so she still has time to work on her subjects and try to pull her scores up above 80%. That's most important. DSA doesn't take that much time. It's just a test (which some GEP students are exempted from) + interview.

[karmeleon]

TJas:

Hi


My gg in Pr 5 GEP. Her t. score below 80%. Should I proceed with DSA (I were thinking of NYHS and NJC). Is it a waste of time since her result is not outstanding. BTW, how to prepare the DSA portforlia. Any advise will help. Need parents with same problems to share their views. Thanks

My ds's overall score was always around 75% to 78%. Since school results are not moderated into a \"t-score/bell-curve\", you should also include a copy of the cohort statistics so that the schools that your child applies to can see your child's results in that light, especially if the school that your child is in tends to have very challenging exams. eg. when I look at the cohort stats, I can tell that most of the papers are difficult, since my boys results tend to be at the upper end despite his overall score.

As for preparing DSA portfolio, just follow what is required on the respective school's websites, generally school results & cca records & other certificates. NYGH & NJC would also require the child to take Ability tests.

[turquoise]

karmeleon:

TJas:

Hi


My gg in Pr 5 GEP. Her t. score below 80%. Should I proceed with DSA (I were thinking of NYHS and NJC). Is it a waste of time since her result is not outstanding. BTW, how to prepare the DSA portforlia. Any advise will help. Need parents with same problems to share their views. Thanks

My ds's overall score was always around 75% to 78%. Since school results are not moderated into a \"t-score/bell-curve\", you should also include a copy of the cohort statistics so that the schools that your child applies to can see your child's results in that light, especially if the school that your child is in tends to have very challenging exams. eg. when I look at the cohort stats, I can tell that most of the papers are difficult, since my boys results tend to be at the upper end despite his overall score.

As for preparing DSA portfolio, just follow what is required on the respective school's websites, generally school results & cca records & other certificates. NYGH & NJC would also require the child to take Ability tests.

Karmeleon, TJas' dd is from GEP so no need for cohort stats.

[JHFMum]

TJas:

//Moderator's note: Topics merged.


Hi

My gg in Pr 5 GEP. Her t. score below 80%. Should I proceed with DSA (I were thinking of NYHS and NJC). Is it a waste of time since her result is not outstanding. BTW, how to prepare the DSA portforlia. Any advise will help. Need parents with same problems to share their views. Thanks

RGS requires GEP student to score >80% for P5 Overall and P6 Mid-yr for exemption from GAT. I don't think this is a requirement from NYGH. However, student must perform well in interview and also good CCA records. There's no need for portfolio (samples of work) but if your girl has taken part in competitions, esp talented in some areas, you need to have the awards and certificates filed and entered into the application form. Also keep the teachers' feedback on your girls' attitude and ability given out in each Semester. RGS requires applicants to submit the ones for P5 & 6.

Your child still has time to work on P6 Sem 1. By far, RI/RGS is the most stringent. All the best to you.

[TJas]

Hi All,


Thks for the reply. My dd overall score is in the range of 73% - 76%. Since DSA is hassle free, I will proceed but I know chances is slim. She is good in creative writing. She had attended the 4 days creative camp organsied by MOE GEP dept, and received a certificate for that. BTW, any suggestion how to improve her Maths, her weakest subject which worried me a lot. GEP maths is very tough. Pls help.

[turquoise]

Hi TJas,


Have a chat with your dd’s Math teacher and find out which are her weak areas and work on them during the holidays. If she’s weak in concepts, you have to work on them immediately and practise during the holidays.

Which school is she from and which schools does she intend to DSA for?

[karmeleon]

turquoise:

karmeleon:

[quote=\"TJas\"]Hi


My gg in Pr 5 GEP. Her t. score below 80%. Should I proceed with DSA (I were thinking of NYHS and NJC).

My ds's overall score was always around 75% to 78%. .

Karmeleon, TJas' dd is from GEP so no need for cohort stats.[/quote]Oh, gep don't have ah? But then her girl would be better than my ds already, since her girl has gep status. My ds is non-gep.

[TJas]

turquoise:

Hi TJas,


Have a chat with your dd's Math teacher and find out which are her weak areas and work on them during the holidays. If she's weak in concepts, you have to work on them immediately and practise during the holidays.

Which school is she from and which schools does she intend to DSA for?

Hi turquoise

Her school is in the west, she intend to DSA for NYHS and NJC. Any ideas what questions will be asked during DSA interviews.

[father_of_3]

Hi TJas,

if yr girl is not good in Maths, then I would advise u not to apply DSA for NUSHS. Think when her school gave report book, it provided a slip of paper to show the highest, ave & lowest. Was her Maths the lowest? If not, not to worry too much. IMO, GEP Maths is one of the toughest subject.
Since she got cert for creative writing camp, it may (not very sure) carry weight in DSA application. Think not many student is selected for the 4 day camp.
My advise for u:
1. Don't miss her school MTP usually held in Jan. One GEP official will present DSA.
2. Attend her GEP school DSA talk/exhibit. During this talk, some IP schools will talk to P6 students. These is where IP school hold their road show. Heard 1 principal even attend this road show.
3. Attend DSA Open house. Talk to the principal/staffs for their advise. For NUSHS, you can miss it.
Cheers!